ERIC Number: ED239028
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1982-Nov
Pages: 19
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Designing Learning Environments for the Enhancement of Self-Directed Learning: A Personal Approach to Integrating Theory and Practice.
Skruber, Richard
Self-directed learning is more appropriate than teacher-directed learning for adult students in colleges and universities. In a self-directed learning environment, students collaborate with the teacher in determining the skills to be learned in the course and form teams needed to carry out work to learn the skills. One learner-oriented model is based on the concept of shared responsibility and can be adapted to a variety of coursework. This model is based on the transfer of authority from teacher to student for sanctioning or authorizing students to certify each other in acquiring skills. This process, called "self-certification," is based on the perspectives of Moore and Anderson and features the following: (1) student participation in the determination of competencies appropriate to the particular course content; (2) students setting evaluation standards and criteria for the authoritative assessment of performance; (3) students becoming certified to perform as experts according to their own specified criteria; and (4) students certifying other students in performing the skill. Following these principles should lead to an environment that is more conducive to adult learning. However, if the teaching is to become learner-centered, the teacher must reevaluate his/her role and change it to meet these conditions. The teacher must become a facilitator instead of an authority figure so that people can learn in a self-directed environment that is compatible with mature adults. (KC)
Descriptors: Adult Education, Adult Learning, Adult Students, Behavioral Objectives, Cognitive Style, Educational Environment, Evaluation Methods, Higher Education, Independent Study, Learning Activities, Learning Experience, Learning Motivation, Learning Processes, Self Evaluation (Individuals), Student Evaluation, Teacher Role, Teaching Methods
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the National Adult Education Conference (San Antonio, TX, November 1982).